Microwave-assisted synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole derivatives utilizing NiO/Cu2O nano-photocatalyst

BACKGROUND

The main characteristic features of nickel–copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne click (Ni-CuAAC) reactions for production of 1,2,3-triazoles are regioselectivity and the reaction proceeding under mild conditions. The use of copper salts as catalysts often leads to challenges like contamination of the prepared triazoles. NiO/Cu₂O nanocomposites (NCs) were utilized in Ni-CuAAC reactions as heterogeneous nanocatalysts to achieve the production of some 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles in high chemical yields under microwave irradiation.

RESULTS

The preparation of NiO/Cu₂O NCs was performed through the coprecipitation of NiO nanoparticles on Cu₂O surface. The prepared catalyst was used for catalyzing a reaction between benzoyl azides and phenylacetylene under optimized reaction conditions. The NiO/Cu₂O NCs exhibited high catalytic activity compared to Cu₂O nanoparticles. In addition, by utilizing ethanol–water as the solvent system under microwave irradiation, higher yields and efficient product separation were observed.

CONCLUSION

This study investigated the proficiency of NiO/Cu₂O NCs as effective nanocatalysts for the selective synthesis of some 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole derivatives. Employing heterogeneous nanoparticle catalysts, such as Cu₂O and NiO/Cu₂O, offers several advantages over homogeneous catalytic systems. These include easier catalyst separation and recovery, potential for catalyst reuse and the ability to fine-tune the catalytic properties by modulating the nanoparticle composition and structure. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).